State Issues Request for Qualifications for SH 183/Airport Freeway Project

AUSTIN - State transportation officials provided approval for development work to move forward on the State Highway 183/Airport Freeway project in Dallas County.

The Texas Transportation Commission recently gave the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) approval to publish a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to potential bidders for development of the project through a comprehensive development agreement, often referred to as a public-private partnership (P3).

A Comprehensive Development Agreement can include provisions assigning financing of the design, development, construction, finance, maintenance, and/or operation to a private developer. The decision to implement a P3 agreement was based on a Senate Bill 1420 committee determination made in June.

"This action represents another major step toward addressing congestion and improving safety in a seriously-congested DFW-area corridor," said Russell Zapalac, TxDOT Chief Planning and Project Officer. "This P3 agreement will accelerate the construction schedule and deliver a high-quality transportation facility at a great value."

The first phase of the project will secure right-of-way, complete frontage roads, rebuild all westbound and a portion of eastbound general-purpose lanes, and add a managed-toll lane in each direction.

The nine-mile project extends from SH 161 to SH 114 and from SH 114 to Interstate 35E in Irving and Dallas.

Future phases call for full reconstruction of the eastbound general-purpose lanes, an additional general-purpose lane in each direction and up to two managed-toll lanes in each direction.

A Request for Proposals will be issued after completion of the RFQ process later this year with first phase of construction planned to start in late 2013.

Hard copies of the RFQ are available at TxDOT, 4777 E. Highway 80, Mesquite, TX 75150 or online.

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The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. Through collaboration and leadership, we deliver a safe, reliable, and integrated transportation system that enables the movement of people and goods. Find out more at TxDOT.gov. "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.